First time at this place. It didn't seem like much from the outside. There were a ton of cars outside though so we figured it was probably good. Walking inside, it seemed like the tables were close together. The layout looked crowded. We were seated pretty quick and near the window so that was great. Waitress was fast and exceptional. Menu had a good selection. I ordered the Biscuit Stack and the wife ordered the Chicken Fried Steak and eggs or something. Our food came out pretty quick considering the place was full. Our food was very very good and that's the reason this place was full. The biscuit stack was put together in a very unique way but all the ingredients tasted great. It was a nice find for someone from out of town. I recommend this place and would visit again if i'm in the area again. read more

I wanted to like this place, I really did. Did some research on solid diners in the Madison area and this is one of the ones that popped up. It was off the highway, so I thought I would give it a go. Walked in and it was what you would expect from a Wisconsin diner -- old carpeting, waitresses who are lifers, and signage from the bygone era. I sat at the bar, with barstools that came about 4 feet off the ground, and asked the cordially waitress what was good. She rattled off about 3/4 of the breakfast menu so I needed a few minutes. A few minutes passed and I went with the Krab Cakes Benedict (why the K?) and the Cottage Platter. The crab cakes were decent (definitely better than the Cottage Platter), but very crisp on the outside, straddling the line of burnt, and somewhat cooked on the inside. Light on the seasoning. As they say on the cooking shows, it was screaming for some acidity...or in this case some Old Bay. Then the Cottage Platter, which I was very much looking forward to, fell flat for me. The hashbrowns had a funky taste to them, which I couldn't quite place. And again, overall, the dish was lacking in flavor. Would I go out of my way to hit this place up again? Most likely not. If I was in the area and wanted to try something else, I probably would. read more

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I've been here a few times, and I always appreciate the no frills community-oriented vibe Cottage Cafe provides. You seat yourself and service has always been efficient and friendly. There's nothing pretentious about this place, but it's a quality spot for breakfast and the food is pretty decent. If you weren't looking for it, you might never find it tucked off the road in a strip mall but that doesn't stop it from being a hopping, busy place especially on the weekends. They have a wide range of your standard breakfast foods on the menu. Breakfast is served all day so I've never ordered anything off of the lunch menu, but it's available if you feel so inclined. The coffee keeps coming. read more

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No particular curb side appeal - but this restaurant is excellent. In other words, don't judge the book by its cover. I had the eggs Benedict and a cinnamon role - the eggs Benedict were good - but it had too much hollandaise sauce and the plate it was served on was too small - hence a very messy breakfast. The cinnamon role was excellent - and definitely shareable. One of the other people in our party had the malted waffle which wS excellent - made perfectly. Another person in our party had steak and eggs and he said it was delicious. The prices for all of the items we ordered were very reasonable. The wait staff did not speak English very well and she had a hard time answering the questions we had about the menu. Not a big deal but she scowled a lot trying to understand us. We all felt bad for her. Overall, this restaurant is worth adding to your Madison breakfast list. read more

Food was good and my server was the sweetest person ever! I personally highly recommend to come here and we will definitely be coming back and prices are very reasonable!! read more

We loved the local diner feel. Service was super fast and for the prices-- the quality was amazing! Definitely has a regular crowd and reputation for home-cooked meals in a jiffy. read more

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Solid old school breakfast, tasty. Staff know their serving game. Jovial and satisfying for All Madisonians and visitors.

I wanted to post a quick update since my last review was still a smidge in the pandemic era and the seating warning doesn't really apply anymore! Their quality remains consistent (despite a change in ownership, which is always a tense moment) and there seems to have been some additional variety in the daily specials which is wonderful to see (along with some experimental soups, some of which have turned out very well -- like a curry soup I had a few weeks ago with them). One thing I forgot to mention in my original view is that the service is also consistently good. While a couple of veteran servers (including our favorite) have left Cottage over the last few years, the new servers have been friendly, expedient, and frankly -- earnest (which adds to the local feel of the establishment). Mrs. T and I are still going consistently and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. read more

This cafe was busy from the moment we stepped in until well after we left. Service was friendly and efficient. I had the malted waffle breakfast. The waffle was the best I've ever had. Flavor was making. It had a crunchy exterior but light and fluffy interior. Tables had advertisements built onto the table top. Great for local businesses. And fun to check some out while waiting. We had to wait in line to pay at the end of our meal. I can't think of another time I've ever had to do that! Tons of people waiting outside to get a table. Definitely give this gem a try. read more

Cottage Cafe isn't fine dining by any means, but it's a delicious greasy spoon diner with fantastic service. Every time I've gone to Cottage Cafe, it's been packed. However, they turn the tables over quickly, so I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes. The pancakes, eggs, and bacon are exactly what you'd expect from this type of restaurant -- yummy, but nothing special. But the cinnamon roll...you've GOT to get it. It is, hands down, the best cinnamon roll I have ever had in my life. As for why I'm taking off one star, it's because I'm not blown away by the quality or originality of the menu. Also, the dining area itself is a little uninspired. Nonetheless, I'll be back at Cottage Cafe in the future. read more

Cottage Cafe - Cinnamon Roll - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I've been here multiple times and every time has been a good experience. The food portions are good and the food is tasty as expected. It is a very busy place but even with that they are fast with their service and the servers are friendly. Highly recommended. read more

This is your typical mom and pop diner. In a city like Madison it's nice to find somewhere cheap and cheerful to get a good breakfast. I got the breakfast burrito, coffee, and OJ - a hangover cure of champions. My partner also got food but I was so desperate to eat, his order escapes me. Though we have both talked about returning, so I know he enjoyed it as well. Service was quick and speedy. I'm pretty sure we were served food in 20 minutes. Lightening fast service! The total was around $20 which also was a plus. We liked the overall aesthetic of the restaurant. It was clean and had fun art, which was good for us to browse, because you will wait at this spot if you come during brunch rush. Definitely recommend! read more

a classic. have come here for my entire life & am never disappointed. classic american breakfast and lunch options. there isn't a ton of space for a family to come eat but that's my only complaint. service is always great. read more

Best little hidden gem of a neighborhood eatery serving all the comfort foods you want at very reasonable prices. I usually bring my parents here as they love the variety of the breakfast dishes, the speed the hot coffee shows up, and bottom line of how much it all costs. They have many specials that change every day so check the numerous chalk and erase boards around the restaurant so you don't miss one. I like the corned beef hash and eggs, Reuben sandwiches, and gyros. Both breakfast and lunch are served all day any time before 2 pm (closing time). The place is usually packed and the tables are close. Parking lot is a little small for the place and shares a lot with the laundrymat in the small strip mall (laundrymat has designated spots in front of their business so be careful to not block them.) read more

Great quick service. Traditional diner foods, quick seating and inexpensive breakfasts. There needs to be more of these places all over, definitely a go to for breakfast after church. read more

Great breakfast. I had the Walleye, 2 eggs over easy, crispy hash browns & raisin toast with orange marmalade. Delicious, the walleye was lightly fried & flakey, eggs were perfectly cooked & velvety clearly farm fresh eggs. Nice dining room with plenty of room, good service & plenty of parking. Good old fashioned coffee like your mother used to drink, a soothing traditional blend. Will be back soon! read more

Cottage Cafe - Walleye & eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

when it comes to breakfast, there isn't much you can do to make it super. with that being said, cottage cafe does a fantastic job of executing breakfast. from their eggs benedict to biscuits and gravy, everything was great. pancakes were also very good. all this and a family of four was fed for less than $40. i also cannot forget the awesome service they give. this has become my new favourite breakfast spot. read more

If you're expecting the Ritz Carlton, Sardine brunch, or any elevated menu, don't. I don't know how to describe how Cottage Cafe makes me feel besides like a big hug from a grandparent. The food is just simple and delicious and reminds me of diners in NJ. Don't be intimidated by the layout or how busy it is - they get you in and out at lightning speed. read more

Always good food at a reasonable price. We eat there often. Good soup and daily specials.

Me and my boyfriend were in town for a football game and wanted to try this place for breakfast, the wait was worth it highly recommend the cinnamon french toast it was so good! read more

the plate was like they just pull it out of the freezer put running eggs not easy over like i ordered waitress was unhappy that we sat in the wrong chair that her regular customer i guess funny she did not get frostbite from the plate i guess that is the second time that has happen too me there no more the cooks are a joke too too put food out like is really next step is too call FDA food served that took picture of this has any one had this probelm no two times is IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Solid. Cottage Cafe is a fairly basic diner and there's nothing wrong with that. Prices are low, the tables are Formica and the portions are large. The menu is simple - all day breakfast, sandwiches, a few blue plate specials like liver and onions. You're not getting a vegan anything, chia seed pudding or anything remotely fancy. Don't take this to mean there aren't interesting options - you can get spam in any numbers of dishes, cheddarwurst is a breakfast meat option and you can get walleye and eggs. I opted for the waffle breakfast which netted me a big waffle, 2 perfectly done over medium eggs and spam (because why not?) which was served with melted American cheese as it should be. Everything was cooked well and for $9, you can't go wrong. The mister had a patty melt burger that he liked. Service is fast and they seem to be perpetually hustling. Two thumbs up. read more

Cottage Cafe - Spam & Eggs Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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This is a gem on the east side. The inside is larger than the parking lot so get in early to secure a spot. The diner serves the classics and they do the job well. I prefer having breakfast here but the lunch specials are yummy. read more

Cottage Cafe - Cottage platter - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This is what I think of when I picture your classic small cafe. We went for breakfast and the food was really good. The place was busy and appears to be a popular local spot. The downside is that it's a smaller building. Most of their tables are for four people, making it hard to accommodate larger groups. However, the staff does a great job with the turnover of tables so that you don't feel rushed while eating, but you also don't have to wait long for a table. read more

Great food, speedy and friendly service. Accommodating to kiddos (crayons, coloring books and little cereal cups while you wait upon request). Not fancy but a reliable and lovely diner experience. read more

Went here for breakfast on a Sunday and were impressed to see how many people were there. We ended up doing takeout because, we're still not up for eating in a restaurant. The speed of service was super quick, as it only took about 10 minutes to get our food. They also asked if we needed utensils, which was appreciated. I ordered a pancake and two eggs over medium and my friend ordered the potatoes O'Brien. The pancake was huge and pretty standard in flavor and the eggs were done perfectly over medium. I was kind of sad to see that the pancake came with fake syrup and not real maple syrup though. The potatoes O'Brien was decent, but my friend was hoping there would be a little more meat. He said that he didn't know if he would order it again, so not really standout. Overall, its a pretty standard diner feel and the prices reflect that, which was nice. read more

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Breakfast a different pace for me. Ordered sausage and biscuit with gravy. Came with gravy on top of the biscuit. Not what I expected but still really good, May could have used a tad more gravy. read more

So this is a hidden gem. It's a solid place for a filling breakfast. Great for groups too. Seat yourself unless it's super super busy--then go to the counter to out your name on a list. Lots of parking available. Pancakes: ....MASSIVE. Like a big plate. One pancake can be shared among 2-4 people. The baby pancake is even large. Hahah. I love love loved their shredded hash browns. I love going to try something new each time. They also have daily specials on a chalkboard. Coffee is piping hot and staff go around often to refill your cup. read more

Came in today cause it was a mile from our dropyard. And boy was it good! We also found a place to park backed in. The owner actually makes his daily specials when he comes in we were told. We had a great waitress that chatted us up a bit too in between tables. So I opted for the Walleye n eggs. Boyyfriend had special on Tuesday Taco salad and cup of French onion soup. Wow! Now my fish came deep fried which I wasn't expecting but it was good! I could have had it backed, broiled whatever.. next time. His salad a soup was awesome too. I had a good bite of the French onion... wow!! After his meal he actually ordered a bowl of the soup for $2.49 we think. I had another bite and now I want French onion.!! read more

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This place is so cute! A true hole in the wall diner with a local and cozy feel. I was there for all of 50 minutes and I could already tell that the customers inside were regulars and had a relationship with the servers there. Social distancing was enforced with staggered tables, however it is a pretty small joint so this really limits the seating availability, especially during the Sunday brunch hours. The servers are friendly and attentive and the food comes out pretty fast. Speaking of the food, it is to die for here. My boyfriend and I got the crab cake eggs benedict ($6.79) and a baby cake ($1.99) to share. I was so excited about the benedict because a diner in my college town sported the same menu item, and I really missed them when moving to Madison. The hollandaise sauce is incredible. It's thick and creamy and just lays like a blanket over the eggs. The eggs were perfectly poached on top a crispy crab cake. The pancake of course was huge in true diner fashion. It didn't taste like anything special, but a standard fluffy pancake is always good. Their menu is at such an accessible price point while also providing delicious flavors in run-of-the-mill dishes. I'm so excited to go back to try their entire menu! read more

Cottage Cafe - Crab cake egg benedicts and baby pancake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

i love me a greasy spoon. This is not quite like Willaby's, but it's also not on Willy Street! This spot in Monona was delightful. Upon entering, a server kinda tossed out at us, "You folks sit anywhere that has a salt and pepper on em!" The coffee was hot and tasty, the cinnamon roll was simple and decadent, the veggie omelette with sausage had layers of flavor. Highly recommend a breakfast here if you're in the area. PS. here are my notes i took for this review, copier and pasted: next to a laundromat northwoods decor rainbow facemask tattooed server seems good covid precautions "sit at any table with salt and pepper" cute bar w stools, classic window back to the kitchen read more

Cottage Cafe - Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Stay away. I couldn't find a parking spot because it's very popular. Don't tell anyone about this place. Good food in a divey place. read more

Ordered a just cheddar omelet but got unmistakable American cheese. Was being treated by relatives so didn't raise a fuss, tho I was disappointed and unhappy because I will not voluntarily eat that plastic junk. Decaf and regular coffee tasted identical. read more

I was disappointed with my breakfast, especially after the rave reviews. I ordered a double bacon and cheese omelette with hash browns. The omelette was dry with very little cheese. It had a lot of bacon have much flavor. The worst part we're the hash tans. They weren't even close to being brown. They also had that undercooked potato and oil flavor. I wouldn't go back. read more

Cottage Cafe - Under cooked oily tasting hash "browns". - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Went for a late brunch, but breakfast was all day. Food had large portions and delicious. Great prices! Waitress and staff were friendly!

Quaint, clean and cozy! I love this little diner for breakfast. Their service is excellent and attentive and the crowd is normally friendly and frequently on the older side. The food portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable. They do have other kinds of food available but my go to is always breakfast so I cannot review anything other than breakfast. The hash browns are very fresh and hot, over easy eggs were superb!! Will visit ag read more

Cottage Cafe - Corned beef hash and over easy eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Favorite breakfast spot. Fast, friendly, and consistent food. Would recommend eggs and cinnamon French toast.

A classic breakfast establishment full of regulars. They have a good sized menu and very reasonable pricing. I enjoyed the cottage platter while my husband devoured the biscuits and gravy. Top it off with a hot chocolate-yum! Waitress was friendly. Interior is old and not updated, tables are squished together. We were basically sharing a table with the group next to us. But it's a busy place! Helps to seat patrons quickly. read more

Cottage Cafe - Hot chocolate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Delicious, best omelette I've had in a long time. I ordered an omelette with nearly the whole kitchen sink. It was fresh hot. You could tell all the ingredients like the ham wasn't something processed. This a local diner full of regular, the wait staff knew nearly everyone coming through the door. My waitress was great. read more

Tasty breakfast food (get the hash browns NOT the bfast potatoes), super cute and charming inside, servers were a delight.